Bizen Sake Cup

This is a Bizen sake cup, freshly removed from the kiln by Takashi Soga, who challenges the beauty of the past by recreating the same environment in which ancient Bizen ware was fired. To replicate the style of the ancient Bizen era, no firebricks or similar materials are used; because of this, the kiln is fired in a way that defies all modern conventional wisdom regarding thermal efficiency. Consequently, the cup exhibits a superb *tsuchiaji* (texture of the clay) that transcends contemporary aesthetics and approaches the quality of ancient Bizen. Great care was taken with the quality of the clay, using high-grade rice field soil believed to have been used for Momoyama-period pottery, resulting in a remarkable *tsuchiaji* evidenced by the fine texture, the eruption of iron particles, and the appearance of the luster. A thick, viscous *hidasuki* (fire-cord) pattern is draped over the slightly reddish, matte clay. On the shoulder, there are exquisite *ishihaze* (exploding stone) inclusions placed alongside strong wheel marks, which multiply the charm of the piece many times over. Signed wooden box to follow at a later date (please allow some time for delivery)
6.6 cm diameter × 6.6 cm diameter × 5.6 cm height Takashi Soga was born in Tokyo in 1984. He studied under Jun Isezaki in 2009 and built his own kiln in Kuku, Bizen City, in 2012. He became independent and began his career as a potter in 2013.